Means for use in sinking tube wells



Aug. 3 1926.

C. DAY

MEANS FOR USE IN SINKING TUBE WELLS original Filed Oct. 4, 1924 7 0 w 3 I l.

I .%7 m Mama.

Patented Aug. 3, 1926.-

' UNITED STATES CHARLES DAY, 0E eLAseow, SCOTLAND.

MEANS FOR USE 'IN smxnve TUEE WELLS.

original application filed October 4, 1924, Serial No. 741,672. Divided and this 28', 1926. Serial No. 84,293.

This invention relates to improvements in tools or plugs used in efi'ectin a joint between two coaxial tubes of difierent diameters to be joined in overlapping relation below ground level in sinking a tube well.

As is understood, to effect a tight joint, the annular space between the overlapping end portions of the two tubes is filled with cement grout or the like, or with other sealing material.

The improved joint-forming tool of the invention comprises a plug mounted on a central tube adapted to be lowered into position to engage and seal off the top of the tube of smaller diameter as also the tube of larger diameter above the annular space formed by the overlapping of the two tubes, and formed to permit cement grout or other sealingmaterial topass through the central tube to fillthe said annular space without entering the tube of smallerdiameter.

For effecting fluid-tight contact with the interior surfaces of the tubes, the plug is provided with rings of rubber or other suitable material adapted to be expanded laterally and radially by pressure applied thereto parallel to the axis of the tube well.

The figure of the accompanying drawing is a longitudinal section showing the joint with the plug in position-for grouting the 'oint.

J In the drawing 2 denotes the sinking tube or outer casing and 6 the rising tube from the strainer.

To stop theentry of sand which might rise up between the overlap of the twotubes, the space between them is filled with Portland cement grout, or other medium.

In filling the annular space provision is made for blocking the fiow of grout both upwards and downwards, and confining it I as far as possible to the annular space between the overlapping parts of the tubes.

An annular rubber packing 10 ma be inserted from above and caused to ta eup a position resting on top of lugs, 8, 8 in the annular space between the overlapping parts of the tubes 2 and 6. v If preferred, this rubber packing ring may be fitted or fixed to the tube 6, or to either tube, in its desired position before the pipe is lowered in position. Preferably a metal ring or washer 11 mounted on a central tube or hollow shaft 13 so that it can freely rotate on the latter.

An upper sleeve 14 and a lower sleeve 15 are also mounted on the tube 13, engaging, respectively, a right-handed and a left-handed screw-thread 16 and 17 on the exterior of the tube 13-. Means such as studs 18 or pins 19 may be provided which enter sockets in application filed January the part 12, preventing the two sleeves 14 and 15- from rotating relatively to the part 12. A cup 20 holds the parts together. Rubber ring or other suitable packings 21 are inserted in a depression or gland 22 between the parts 12 and 14, these rings being adaptedupon compression to expand laterally and radially and to form a fluid-tight contact between the plug and the inner surface of the tube 2. Other rubber rings 23 inserted in a depression or gland space 24 between the parts 12 and 15 are adapted upon compression to expandlaterally and radially and to form a fluid-tight contact between the plug and the inner surface of the tube 6.

The upper edge of the inner tube 6 is provided with slots 25 adapted to be engaged by projections or pins 26 fixed to the part 12. The parts 15 and 20 of the plug may be coned to permit the plug to enter freely the upper part ofthe tube 6.

The tube 13 is fixed to a hollow down pip by which it may be rotated and through which cement grout may be poured.

An eye-bolt 28 is suspended by a wire or the like 29 inside the bottom of the tube 13. On this bolt are strung rubber washers 30 which may be expanded laterally and radially by tightening up the nut 31 to engage the interior of the tube 13 and form a fluid- The stopper constituted by the washers is of such length that when resting on the edge of the cup 20 its upper end does not cover the holes 32 in the tube 13.

A spring '35 attached to the stopper 30 may pass through a hole 36 in the cup 20 and the shape and length of this spring and ered until it enters the top of the tube 6:

It is then slightly rotated until the pins or the like 26 drop into the slots 25 in the top of the tube 6 which will prevent further rotation of the central part 12 of the plug rel- 'atively to the tube 6. This'action also prevents rotation of the sleeves 14 and 15. The tube 13 is then rotated further to cause the sleeves 14 and 15 to approach each other.

This action may be due to the right and left hand threads on the said sleeves and the corresponding threads 16 and 17 on the tube 13. Or, if preferred, one sleeve, preferably the upper sleeve 14, may merely be pressed against a collar 37 by the movement of the other sleeve towards it. In either case the action is such that the rubber rings 21 and 23 are expanded to make fluid-tight joints with the two tubes 2 and 6 and to isolate the annular space to receive grout.

Grout is now poured in to fill this space and the rubber stopper 30 may then be partly withdrawn to close off the perforations 32 and to prevent any leakage of grout as the tool is being withdrawn.

What I claim is 1t For forming a joint in a tube well comtrally in relation to said'coaxial tubes and penetrating the tube of smaller diameter, and a plug mounted on said centrally disposed tube adapted to engage and seal off the overlapped end of the tubeof smaller diameter, said plug and said centrally disposed tube being formed to permit passageof sealing medium to the annular space between the overlapping portions of said tubes of different diameters while excluding 'pas sage of sealing medium into the tube .of smaller diameter.

2. For forming a joint in atube well comprising two coaxial tubes of different diameters entering one Within the other with end portlons overlapping, a tube disposed centrally in relation to said two coaxial tubes, a plug mounted on said centrally disposed tube adapted to be inserted into the tube of smaller diameter, said plug and said centrally disposed tube being formed to permit passage of sealing medium to the annular space between the overlapping portions of said tubes of difi'erent diameters, compressible packing applied to the said plug for sealing 011 the overlapped end of the tube of smaller diameter, compressible packing applied to the said plug for sealing off the tube of larger diameter beyond the annular space between the overlapped portions of the coaxial tubes, and means for efiecting compression of the packing.

In testimony where f" I have name to this specification.

CHARLES DAY.

signed my 

